Our destination for this high mountain adventure is the historic and lively country that is Morocco. Rising majestically out of the central and southern regions of the country we find the Atlas mountain ranges, with their soaring, jagged peaks and deep valleys. Towering above all else is Mt. Toubkal, at 4167 metres above sea level this is the highest point in North Africa.

Travelling by vehicle then porter and by foot, loaded with all our equipment, the ascent and return will take us 5 days in total. The hiking pace and technical climbing grade is not extensive giving ample time to take in the breath taking scenery. Although the longest legs of our journey are at the start of our trip, the days are broken up with enough break time and a shorter technical practice day to improve skills and not tire you out, allowing you to fully enjoy the experience. You will have the experience of hiking through the snow line and challenging yourself to attempt the peak across an icy and varied terrain, with the knowledge of fully trained and experienced mountaineers backing you up. This untamed landscape is packed with stunning vistas and from the summit a panorama that takes in everything from the Mediterranean to the Sahara desert to the Pacific Ocean.

What's included:

• 1 Night's hotel accommodation in Imlil (twin room, on HB basis)
• 3 Night’s mountain refuge accommodation (bunk room, on HB basis)
• Return transfers from Marrakesh Airport to hotel
• All expedition food
• Porters and mules
• Expedition Instructors and local guide
• Campon and ice axe hire

What the price does not include

• Return flights from the UK to Morocco
• Personal travel and additional adventure insurance
• Personal equipment
• Excess baggage costs
• Additional meals and foods in Morocco
• Tips
• Any extra costs you may incur if the expedition runs over time or your flights are delayed or cancelled

Statistics

Expedition Objective: An attempted summiting of Mt. Toubkal

Mountain height: 4167 metres

Maximum days height gain: 1467 metres

Difficulty grade: Moderate

The Route

Starting from Marrakesh, we will travel by road to the mountain town of Imlil (1740 metres). Here we will pack for a foot journey with porters up through the foot hills and passes to the Toubkal mountain refuge (3207 metres). The refuge will be our base to strike out for the summit from. We will make the decision on the morning of the ascent as to which of the two ascent routes to take, depending upon the weather conditions and the group capabilities. The South col route is the most common route up, making for a steep but shorter length ascent. However the North col route is more interesting and shallower ascent, it is also less traffic but is also a much longer route making a far longer day. After the ascent day we follow our feet back down to Imlil to find our road transport back to Marrakesh.

Strategy

The packs are at their heaviest and the hiking the longest, when the team sets out from Imlil, with the longest journeys of approximately 5-7 hours and 1467 metres of ascent. We will then take a rest day at the refuge to acclimatise, with a short hike to a nearby valley to practice skills needed for the ascent. But this is a non strenuous day so as not to tire weary muscles. The summit attempt day will then be made in an alpine style (one day up and down) moving briskly but not at great pace and carrying only light packs with the bare essentials.

Preparation and Training

An expedition of this type and in this environment is an exciting but challenging prospect and as such we suggest a course of preparation and training. The experiences of the individual participants on the expedition may vary greatly, from an experienced mountaineer to a complete beginner, so the level of preparation depends upon you. A generally good level of fitness will greatly improve the enjoyment you will have on the experience.  We can suggest a number of short courses we run that may prove helpful in allowing you to understand what is to come, and enjoy the experience all the more.

Expedition Itinerary

Please note that this is an example itinerary, and is dependent upon team ability, local conditions and infrastructure.

Day 1: Fly to Marrakesh - Imlil

Fly out to Marrakech, we will meet up as a group in the early afternoon. We will then drive out to the mountain porter town of Imlil (1740m). Settling into our Imlil accommodation, we will spend the evening getting to know the rest of the group. As we do this we will go through the plan for the next few days, check equipment and plan routes for group ability and expected weather conditions.

Day 2: Imlil to refuge

Starting the day with a good breakfast, we will then meet our porters and mountain guide. Load up the gear and begin the trek up to the Toubkal refuge (3207m) arriving for the afternoon (approx 5-7hr). We will then go through a few winter skills and ideas before relaxing for the evening.

Day 3: Acclimatisation day

This is an important acclimatisation and rest day. After a good night’s rest, we will climb a short way higher above the refuge and do some scramble routes, working on our movement and winter skills, as well as some short easy winter climbing and crampon usage skills before returning to the refuge to rest up, enjoy the mountain environment and watch the sunset.

Day 4: Summit attempt day

Up early for breakfast, we are collecting our gear together and on the hill for 6am (possibly earlier depending on conditions). Depending on the group’s abilities and the weather conditions that day, we will select either the North col route (descending south) or South col route, to try and ensure a successful and safe ascent of the mountain. After a good day on the mountain we will head into the refuge for a good meal and reflection on our achievements. Be prepared for a long and tiring day with an ascent and decent of between 7 and 10 hours depending on route and conditions.

Day 5: Mountain refuge to Marrakesh

Again rising with the dawn, we pack up our equipment and load up with the porters to make our trek back down to Imlil. Here we will take a quick break for lunch before hooking up with our transport for the drive back to Marrakech for the early afternoon. This is where we say our goodbyes.

PLEASE NOTE:  The above itinerary is intended as a guideline only, all though every effort will be made to adhere to it, changes may be forced on it by weather conditions, transport failure or other unforeseen events. Please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.

This is an expedition to a remote area that often experiences fluctuations in weather, and thus the inherent risks of such an activity exist. Whilst every effort and feasible precaution has been made to cover medical emergencies, it should be understood that bad weather may prevent successful completion of the proposed route, shortening and termination of the experience is at the instructor discretion. The expedition involves some moderately strenuous walking/hiking/climbing with loads, and team members should be aware that this can be for a lengthy period of time (up to 8 hours).

Equipment

Crampons and ice axes will be provided during the course of the experience, additional technical equipment for the trip can be booked after confirmation.

What to pack?

Clothes:

•Good walking boots and socks

•Comfortable shoes for guest house

•Trekking pants

•Waterproofs, Jacket and over trousers

•Under wear

•Thermals

•T-shirts

•Fleece jacket/ jumper layers

•Beanie type hat

•Goggles/ Sunglasses

•Additional clothing for when not on mountain

Equipment:

•3 to 4 season sleeping bag

•Walking poles (Leki)

•Day sack/ rucksack

•Kit bag

•Head torch + spare batteries

•Basic first aid kit

•Water bottle/ Camel pack

•Sunscreen

Other:

•personal items (towel, toiletries etc.)

•Personal entertainment (books, iPod etc.)

•Repair kit (e.g. needle, thread, duct tape)

•Small rubbish bags, carry out what you bring in

Insurance

We carry full adventurous activities insurance of up to 10 million liability, covering you for emergency rescue and repatriation. However it is strongly advised that you should take out your own travel and adventurous activity insurance despite this.